Introductory description

The module provides an overview of using the computer as a tool to provide intuition, guide and test hypotheses, enhance understanding and make predictions on mathematical questions. It particularly aims at learning to use computer-based mathematics through contact sessions in the computer room, where the students can explore mathematical questions in a computer-aided way.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

After a brief introduction into technicalities in representing mathematics on a computer, the module will each week explore a different theme taken from other year one mathematics core modules, such as Analysis, Probability Theory, Differential Equations, Linear Algebra, or Foundations, and use the computer to build intuition around aspects of these themes, and explore mathematical questions.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• You will learn how to graph functions, study vectors and matrices graphically and numerically,
• How to iterate and use iteration to study sequences and series,
• How to solve algebraic and differential equations numerically and how to study statistical properties of sets of numbers.

Indicative reading list

DJ & NJ Higham, MATLAB guide, SIAM Publications, Philadelphia, September 2000.

Subject specific skills

At the end of the module, students will be able to

• use the Matlab software package to create simple programs and perform interactive analysis
• understand rudimentary computer programming control structures
• graph functions using the computer
• study matrices graphically and numerically
• employ iteration and recursion to study sequences and series
• solve algebraic and differential equations numerically
• use computer generated random numbers

Transferable skills

The module will teach students basic computer skills and their relationship with mathematics. It will encourage them to use the computer as an exploratory tool research and equip them with foundational programming knowledge.